Valley fever cases are on a sharp rise in California, with 2024 already surpassing the total cases recorded in 2023. Kern County remains a hotspot, but several other counties have seen significant increases. Experts link the surge to factors like recent wet winters, climate change, and increased construction.
Valley fever cases are surging in California , with this year's total already surpassing the number recorded in all of 2023 and projected to climb further when December's figures are released. As of November's end, 11,076 valley fever cases have been confirmed statewide, marking a 20% increase compared to last year and nearly a 47% jump from 2022, according to state health data.
Valley fever is caused by inhaling spores of coccidioides, a fungal pathogen prevalent in California's drier and dustier regions. The fungus is dispersed when dry soil, its habitat, is disturbed. Kern County remains a hotspot for the disease and fungus, accounting for 3,768, or over a third, of reported cases. While several counties have witnessed relatively modest growth in case numbers through November compared to 2022, including Los Angeles and Riverside, others have seen increases ranging from 100% to 200% — notably Fresno, Kings, Merced, San Francisco, San Joaquin, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Stanislaus. Monterey County experienced the most significant surge, with case counts tripling from 100 by November 30, 2022, to 299 by the same date in 2024. Experts attribute the rise in cases and the fungus' geographical spread to several factors, including a series of wet winters following a historic drought, a changing climate, shifting demographics, and increased construction in areas previously inhabited by coyotes, desert rodents, and cacti. Most people infected with the fungus won't show symptoms; their bodies naturally combat the infection. However, in some cases, the fungal spores can lead to life-altering damage or even death. The disease can be particularly problematic for individuals living outside the fungus' endemic region, as its early stages often resemble the onset of COVID-19 or the flu
Valley Fever California Health Outbreak Disease
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